A great movie with some great performances from Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie and, of course, Jackie Gleason. Not a hint of Ralph Kramden in Gleason's performance. Newman is dead on as "Fast" Eddie Felson. The story is well-told, though it is a bit long and slow in places. Still, one of my all-time favorites.

But of course, a couple of nits.

During the first match between Eddie Felson and Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason) in Ames' Poolhall, you can see a sign behind Felson that says "NO MASSE SHOTS". Yet during the climatic match with Fats, Felson makes a masse shot. (A masse shot is one where the cue stick is aimed almost right at the pool table. Because of the damage it can obviously do to a table, these kinds of shots are usually forbidden.)

Also during the final match, Minnesota Fats is shown wearing his jacket in close up shots. However, in all other shots, the jacket has been removed.

"I like to watch." - Chauncy Gardner

First of all, yes, this is a GREAT film. The DVD is worth checking out as it has some extras I've not seen on any other DVD.

Second, I wouldn't consider that a nit. All pool parlours have that sign, but it's done all the time. Usually when the player is good enough, as is obviously the case here, they'll turn a blind eye to it.